Sometimes when I do my morning devotions, I read through them hurriedly and barely pay attention because I want to get on to other things. This morning, I really read them (see Scriptures below). Two words stuck out for me in relation to the “new creation” from 2 Corinthians 5:17. Those words are “realities” and “in”. They may not seem like much, but consider this …
How many times do we hear about the so called “realities” of this world? We hear about logic, science, finances and politics. These are realities why? Because they can be seen, touched and “proven.” Are these the only realities? Colossians offers an alternative … the realities of heaven. Now, if you believe as I do, heaven is both the dwelling place of God after we die and a present reality for us in this life because wherever God is – is that not heaven? Certainly not the fullness of heaven, but heaven nonetheless.
Most of the time, these realities can coexist. But what happens when one must decide between them? Finance is a big one. Many churches are confronted with there not being enough to do what they feel called by God to do. Some see the realities of finance and they reflect the reality that there isn’t enough – the numbers are clear. Some see the realities of God and say “God will provide” and assume that should be the end of the discussion. Can’t these two realities inform one another? Perhaps the reality of heaven in this situation is to first see that it’s all God’s … our money, our abilities, the mission of the church … everything! So, rather than saying “God will provide,” we say “God will provide everything necessary for us to do what He’s called us to do.” How do we know this and how is it reality? Because everything is God’s. A natural next question is “What’s the point? If it’s all God’s, why the struggle and why don’t we seem to have enough?” The one thing that stands between all that God has provided and God’s mission … is us.
Remember, God has appointed us stewards of His Creation. How will we make use of God’s resources (which come to us as our finances, time and abilities) to care for His Creation and carry out His mission? Notice that this conversation includes but is not limited to finances.
So, if we see the realities of God, if we are in Christ, and if we are a new creation, how will that shape our day ahead? I’m dwelling on these this morning because my whole day is ahead of me. There are the realities of the demands that I and others place on me. There are the realities of the limits of time for both family and work.
If I see my time as a gift from God, what kinds of things should I do today? Where should I use this time? What does that mean through work? If you are a lawyer, plumber, school teacher, politician, business man/woman, etc … does it affect how and what you do at work? What about exercise, family, and fun stuff? The Bible talks a lot about joy … don’t you think God would be pleased for all of us to experience joy today?
Prayer
Good morning, God! As I begin my day, help me to take a breath and know that I am a new creation. This day hasn’t already defeated me. Instead, I enter it with joy and confidence. Help me to see both the earthly and heavenly realities, and to see them from Your perspective. In Your holy name I pray. Amen!
Scriptures
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 NLT
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Epicurious Lutheran 